Philosophy It is a common misconception that math is about memorizing. Memorizing is hard work and it won’t help you for very long. In order to avoid memorizing you need to make it a priority to understand each and every new topic as we come to it. Mathematics builds on itself. The better you understand each idea, the stronger your foundation will be. Memorizing an idea instead of understanding it is like using Scotch Tape to hold the supports together in a building - it weakens your foundation, and eventually it will collapse.
Another important aspect of mathematics is being able to communicate your understanding of mathematical relationships both verbally and in writing. You will have many opportunities to explain ideas to the whole class, to individuals, and to me. Take advantage of these opportunities. Every time you explain a mathematical idea, you will come to understand it just a little bit better yourself.
Course Description Mathematically, this is an algebra/geometry course with a heavy emphasis on problem solving. Independent learning, teamwork, and critical thinking will also be taught. The course will begin from a problem solving framework. Problem solving is not only the key to success in mathematics, but has applications in all fields of study and work. It is true that some people seem born with an innate ability to solve problems, but it can also be learned. Second semester, once we have manyproblem solving strategies to work with and have established a community of trust and collaboration, students will begin pursuit of their individual learning goals for the year. During independent learning units, students will use ALEKS to guide their studies, but will continue to work closely with peers on common goals and with the teacher individually and in groups.
Expectations
I expect students to come to class ready to “think math” for the entire class period.
Students should have a positive attitude, encourage group members, assist peers when asked to do so, and volunteer ideas during group discussions.
I believe that each person in this class is important. In keeping with this, I expect each student, also, to treat every other member of the class with respect and sensitivity.
Textbook and Supplies: Please bring the following to class each day.
Bound Graphing Paper Notebook with a square grid (as shown in class) A pencil and at least two colors of pensGlue Stick Scissors Folder or organizer for loose papers Computer Tablet and Charger
Grade Computation Your formal ISB grade will be based on your performance throughout the semester with an emphasis on your skills, knowledge and understanding at the end of the semester. The Math Department rubric will be used as often as possible.
During the Individualized Portion of the Class (ALEKS), you determine your level of performance (1-7) based on Effort, Progress, Mastery, and Communication. The full grade computation can be seen here.
Absences
If you know you are going to miss a class, it is your responsibility to ask me in advance for any assignments you will miss.
If you are unexpectedly absent (e.g. you are sick), please send me an email as soon as possible. You should automatically check blackboard to find out what you missed and what the current assignment is. If you are too sick to work on it, you should, at the very least, know what you need to do.
If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get your homework assignment from blackboard before your next class.
Academic Honesty Please do your own work; I take academic honesty very seriously. Everything that you learn from another source (tutor, website, friend, etc.) must always be referenced and acknowledged by writing so in the margin or at the end of the work that is submitted. You must not discuss tests, quizzes, etc. with any students who have not yet taken the test, quiz, etc. Copying of homework is not acceptable. I can accept a student saying that “I just couldn’t get it done” much easier than seeing a paper that is the work of another person. Please do not put yourself, a friend or me in a situation that none of us will be comfortable with. When it comes to academic honesty, take responsibility for your own education and if in doubt, ask!
Tablet Use
Your computer tablets are amazing machine with a host of wonderful tools for your learning. We will use technology often and in a variety of ways. As I’m sure you’ve been told many times already, your laptop is also a big responsibility and has the potential to be a big distraction. Though you may think you can do many things well simultaneously (like chatting and taking class notes), it takes away from your learning and the learning of others whenever you partake in activities unrelated to the task at hand.
Communicationand Extra Help I am easily accessible via email and with the amazing technology you have at your fingertips, you can even send me handwritten working without hassling with representing it in ASCII. Don’t worry about burdening me – I LOVE being asked questions. Contact information: pattersonm@isb.be
My free periods are B, D, and G. I will probably be in the Math/Science Collaboration Room during those times. Don't hesitate to look for me there - and then we can always find some space in the common area to work together. I don't know where I'll be during lunch and after school yet, but you can check the collaboration room as well as the rooms in which I teach: 022 and 103.
Ms Patterson
2012-2013
Philosophy
It is a common misconception that math is about memorizing. Memorizing is hard work and it won’t help you for very long. In order to avoid memorizing you need to make it a priority to understand each and every new topic as we come to it. Mathematics builds on itself. The better you understand each idea, the stronger your foundation will be. Memorizing an idea instead of understanding it is like using Scotch Tape to hold the supports together in a building - it weakens your foundation, and eventually it will collapse.
Another important aspect of mathematics is being able to communicate your understanding of mathematical relationships both verbally and in writing. You will have many opportunities to explain ideas to the whole class, to individuals, and to me. Take advantage of these opportunities. Every time you explain a mathematical idea, you will come to understand it just a little bit better yourself.
Course Description
Mathematically, this is an algebra/geometry course with a heavy emphasis on problem solving. Independent learning, teamwork, and critical thinking will also be taught.
The course will begin from a problem solving framework. Problem solving is not only the key to success in mathematics, but has applications in all fields of study and work. It is true that some people seem born with an innate ability to solve problems, but it can also be learned. Second semester, once we have manyproblem solving strategies to work with and have established a community of trust and collaboration, students will begin pursuit of their individual learning goals for the year. During independent learning units, students will use ALEKS to guide their studies, but will continue to work closely with peers on common goals and with the teacher individually and in groups.
Expectations
Textbook and Supplies:
Please bring the following to class each day.
Bound Graphing Paper Notebook with a square grid (as shown in class)
A pencil and at least two colors of pensGlue Stick
Scissors
Folder or organizer for loose papers
Computer Tablet and Charger
Grade Computation
Your formal ISB grade will be based on your performance throughout the semester with an emphasis on your skills, knowledge and understanding at the end of the semester. The Math Department rubric will be used as often as possible.
During the Individualized Portion of the Class (ALEKS), you determine your level of performance (1-7) based on Effort, Progress, Mastery, and Communication. The full grade computation can be seen here.
Absences
Academic Honesty
Please do your own work; I take academic honesty very seriously. Everything that you learn from another source (tutor, website, friend, etc.) must always be referenced and acknowledged by writing so in the margin or at the end of the work that is submitted. You must not discuss tests, quizzes, etc. with any students who have not yet taken the test, quiz, etc. Copying of homework is not acceptable. I can accept a student saying that “I just couldn’t get it done” much easier than seeing a paper that is the work of another person. Please do not put yourself, a friend or me in a situation that none of us will be comfortable with. When it comes to academic honesty, take responsibility for your own education and if in doubt, ask!
Tablet Use
Your computer tablets are amazing machine with a host of wonderful tools for your learning. We will use technology often and in a variety of ways. As I’m sure you’ve been told many times already, your laptop is also a big responsibility and has the potential to be a big distraction. Though you may think you can do many things well simultaneously (like chatting and taking class notes), it takes away from your learning and the learning of others whenever you partake in activities unrelated to the task at hand.
Communication and Extra Help
I am easily accessible via email and with the amazing technology you have at your fingertips, you can even send me handwritten working without hassling with representing it in ASCII. Don’t worry about burdening me – I LOVE being asked questions. Contact information:
pattersonm@isb.be
My free periods are B, D, and G. I will probably be in the Math/Science Collaboration Room during those times. Don't hesitate to look for me there - and then we can always find some space in the common area to work together. I don't know where I'll be during lunch and after school yet, but you can check the collaboration room as well as the rooms in which I teach: 022 and 103.